Encinitas man pleads not guilty to assault with a firearm

On Aug. 2, David Kaufman allegedly shot Peter Bryne in the hip. Kaufman pleaded not guilty to charges filed against him. The shooting reportedly occurred at Byrne’s home on West Bluff Drive. Photo by Jared Whitlock

ENCINITAS — David Kaufman, 32, was charged with assault with a firearm and discharging a firearm in a grossly negligent manner.

Last week, he pleaded not guilty to the charges during an arraignment, according to Encinitas Sheriff’s Detective Shawn Silva.

At 12:30 a.m. on Aug. 2, deputies from the Encinitas Sheriff’s Station responded to a reported shooting. Kaufman allegedly shot 41-year-old Peter Bryne in the hip with a revolver in the 700 Block of West Bluff Drive.

Shortly after, deputies located and arrested Kaufman.

Bryne was airlifted to Scripps La Jolla Hospital for treatment. He was later discharged, Silva said.

Silva said the men were acquaintances, and the shooting was prompted by an argument.

He said further details about the motive aren’t available at this time as the investigation is ongoing.

Bryne lives on West Bluff Drive; Kaufman resides on the nearby Princehouse Lane, according to Silva.